News
FRI 04.11.2016
If there is one common element in clashes between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC, it would be emotions. These games are about more than just 90 minutes. It's football in its purest state, brimming with nerves and passion. The last decade has played host to some unforgettable matches between this year's Copa del Rey finalists. We take a look at six in particular that will live long in the memory.
FC Barcelona 0-3 Sevilla FC (European Super Cup 2006)
Two years ago the clubs met in European competition, after Barcelona clinched the Champions League and Sevilla ran out Europa League winners. Composed finishing and resolute defending were the keys to Juande Ramos's side's upsetting the odds to defeat Barcelona in Monaco. Renato opened the scoring in the 7th minute, Frederic Kanoute doubled Sevilla's advantage on the stroke of half-time and Enzo Maresca added some gloss to the scoreline with a penalty late on. Although the final result may suggest otherwise, the match was evenly contested throughout, as the two teams looked to kick off the new campaign with a trophy that both sets of supporters so longed for.
FC Barcelona 0-0 Sevilla FC (LaLiga Santander 2011/12)
This emotion-filled clash between Barcelona and Sevilla in the 2011/12 LaLiga Santander season is remembered for Javi Varas's stunning performance between the sticks for the visitors, including a stoppage-time penalty save to thwart Leo Messi and deny Los Azulgranas victory. That was far from Varas's only contribution, however, as the shotstopper displayed his outstanding reactions with a series of breathtaking stops throughout the contest. Although the Catalans enjoyed periods of domination, Sevilla's approach was perfect and they also spurned some clear-cut openings to take the lead. It was a game brimming with end-to-end action that you simply couldn't take your eyes off, yet, against all odds, it somehow ended goalless.
FC Barcelona 3-2 Sevilla FC (LaLiga Santander 2013/14)
This thrilling encounter in September 2013 took a final dramatic twist in stoppage time with a crucial Alexis winner. It was one of those matches you simply couldn't predict and just want to watch over and over again, particularly the final 15 minutes which produced four of the game's five goals. Dani Alves opened the scoring in the first half with a header, but the most exciting action was saved for the latter stages. Messi extended the home side's lead, but Rakitic and Coke responded with strikes in the 80th and 90th minutes, respectively, to level it up. Just when it looked like the points would be shared, up popped Alexis to seal a memorable victory for Barcelona.
FC Barcelona 5-4 Sevilla FC (European Super Cup 2015)
There were goals aplenty in this remarkable emotion-filled game that went almost all the way. The first half did not disappoint, but the second was simply astounding. Sevilla somehow never gave up the ghost against a Barcelona side that raced into a 4-1 lead. Despite the uphill battle, the underdogs replied with goals by Jose Antonio Reyes, Kevin Gameiro and Yevhen Konoplyanka to take the tie into extra-time, but Pedro would have the last laugh with the winner to make it 5-4 in the 115th minute to seal the European Super Cup for Barcelona. This was a thrilling battle in which both teams gave it their very all right until the final whistle.
Sevilla FC 2-2 FC Barcelona (LaLiga Santander 2014/15)
The Sanchez Pizjuan has been the backdrop for countless significant Sevilla moments. One of them came last season against Luis Enrique's Barcelona who raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to Neymar and Messi. The home side were not fazed, however, and battled back superbly to clinch a draw with Ever Banega cutting the arrears before the interval and Gameiro notching the equaliser in the second half, proving that the famous stadium creates a special atmosphere in which every match is an exciting one and that never-say-die attitude reigns supreme.
FC Barcelona 2-0 Sevilla FC (Copa del Rey 2016 final)
Another tense, enthralling encounter that went the distance. Although it was scoreless after 90 minutes, this was not due to a lack of openings – several were spurned at both ends – or action: Javier Mascherano was sent off in the 37th minute and then Banega was given his marching orders in second-half stoppage time. So it was that, with numerical parity restored, Sevilla were left ruing their inability to take their earlier chances as Barcelona snatched the title with two extra-time strikes. It was a fittingly electric finale to another match that set pulses racing.
© LALIGA - 2016
